FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What concept refers to using encouragement to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior?

1. Discipline

2. Positive reinforcement

3. Motivation

4. Negative reinforcement

The correct answer is: Positive reinforcement

The concept of positive reinforcement pertains to using encouragement to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. This strategy involves providing a favorable stimulus or reward following a desired action, which in turn strengthens the probability of that behavior being repeated in the future. For instance, when a teacher praises a student for participating in class, the student feels encouraged and is more likely to participate again. This approach emphasizes rewarding positive behaviors rather than merely addressing negative ones and plays a significant role in effective behavior management and motivation in educational settings. Discipline generally refers to the methods used to teach and enforce appropriate behavior, often through corrective measures rather than encouragement. Motivation encompasses broader elements that drive an individual to act, which can include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but does not specifically focus on the reinforcement of a behavior. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unfavorable stimulus to increase desired behavior, which is different from offering encouragement.